Fraudulent transactions are becoming more common, and banks are constantly working to protect their customers from unauthorized activity. Text alerts is one of the key tools that can be used in fraud prevention. If we detect suspicious activity on your account, you may receive a fraud alert via text message asking you to confirm whether the transaction was authorized.
But what happens if you don’t respond?
When our fraud detection system flags a transaction as unusual, we send an automated text message to the customer. Based on the customer’s response(s), we can block the transaction immediately, place a temporary hold on your card to prevent further fraudulent charges, and guide you through the process of securing your account, including issuing a new card if necessary.
What If You Don’t Respond?
Failing to respond to a fraud alert can lead to several outcomes, depending on our policies:
Your Card May Be Temporarily Blocked – To protect your account, we may place a temporary hold on your card until you confirm the transaction. This means future transactions could be declined, including legitimate purchases.
Delayed Fraud Resolution – If the transaction is actually fraudulent, failing to respond right away could allow additional unauthorized charges before we intervene. The sooner you act, the better the chances of stopping fraud quickly.
Potential Account Risk – Ignoring repeated fraud alerts could leave your account vulnerable, especially if fraudsters have already gained access to your card or account information.
What Should You Do If You Miss a Fraud Alert?
If you realize you’ve missed a fraud text alert, take these steps:
- Check your transaction history for any unauthorized charges
- Call our Customer Care Center (888) 372-9788 during the hours of 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. CT / 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT / 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET on Saturdays to confirm or dispute transactions
- Monitor your account closely for any further suspicious activity
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
While fraud alerts are a great defense against unauthorized transactions, there are additional steps you can take to safeguard your account:
- Use strong, unique passwords for online banking
- Be cautious with your card details and avoid sharing them over phone, email, or text
- Regularly review your bank statements to catch suspicious activity early
Fraud text alerts are designed to help protect your money and identity. If you ever receive one, don’t ignore it—responding promptly can prevent unnecessary account disruptions and help stop fraud. If you’re ever unsure whether a text alert is real, contact our Customer Care Center.